Night Hike!

I suggested going on a full moon hike to a couple of the girls from work. The three of us stuck to the plan and when we got off work, we met at my house to drive to the trailhead. For the first 50 yards into the hike, they weren't quite convinced this was the best idea. There were a lot of trees and shadow cover and it took a bit for our eyes to adjust the darkness. Once the moon rose a little more and the trail opened up, we were able to truly appreciate this beautiful night. All of the rocks and plants were illuminated with a blue tint that only the moon can cast. We climbed up to the top of Castle Rock and took in what the Valley looks like at 12:30 am, enjoyed a glass of Pinot Noir and a few bites of flourless chocolate cake, and shared some girly giggles. Sherri thought it would be cool to watch the sunrise from where we were...two days later we again met at my house, this time at 5 am. We marveled at the deep blue sky and watched as the sun turned it orange and red until it was officially a new day.

Patience and Faith

When my parents sold our Moreno Valley house, I was living in Phoenix. I took a trip back home to take anything I wanted; otherwise it was all going to end up in Iowa. Pretty much the only thing I drove back with was a car full of Sago Palm trees. We had a bunch in pots because we had a big one in our pool area that kept having babies. They did great in the desert climate, but a year later I decided to move the mountains. I couldn't just leave them...they were sentimental Sagos! I didn't want to just give them away, they are worth a lot of money. I knew they wouldn't survive the fall and winter months, but my Aunt Sue, who lives in Illinois, brings hers inside for those seasons. So once again the Sagos went on a road trip, only this time it was in the back of a Uhaul. I did end up giving some of the bigger ones away to good friends and neighbors; I had way too many to keep inside. Fall rolls around and it started to get chilly at night. Sagos are hearty up to 20 degrees...I kept putting it off...Pretty soon we got our first snow...Yes, I brought them in after that! They seemed alright until about a week later when they turned yellow and brown. Not a good sign. I cut all the plumage off and kept watering them. I knew they were probably still alive. Well, I was really hoping they were. I took care of them all winter and early spring until it was warm enough to put them back out on the porch. I watered and waited. And watered and waited. (My plan was to wait until fall came again before I gave up.) Finally in the beginning of July one of them began to shoot new plumes!(Sago lingo) I was so relieved! Now its mid August and four out of the seven made it. I am so thankful I didn't give up on them. (I'm still watering the other three, just in case!)